23 Mar 2014

3D Printing Homes

Home 3D Printing is something that looks like a futuristic dream at the moment. One of the most compelling arguments is the mechanization of mass produced products that we use every day, from home appliances, cars, clothing etc. so why are we still constructing Houses by hand? The Contour Crafting machine will work on the same principles of C&C machines used by joinery companies or the 3D printers used inventors, engineers, architects etc. for prototypes, components and finished parts. This project is the brainchild of Dr. Behrokh Khoshnevis who is looking at one of the applications of this technology, to be possibly used, to construct a base on the moon. Khoshnevis is confident that his machine will be able to construct a standard 25,000 square feet house (2,323 m²) with a bespoke design in 20 Hrs. If this were true it could really do something to address the need for housing around the world. More information and video in the article. Please let us know what you think of this system in the comments section at the end of the article.

It is a 12 minute video but it is really worth watching, it explains the whole system.

Khoshnevis is convinced that the workers that are going to be displaced by this new technology are going to be absorbed in the new system, and people that had no access to this world, would now be able to work in it. If this system goes through there will be a big need for Computer Aided Technicians and if the construction workers are given and they take the opportunity to retrain the job loss should be kept to a minimum.

Strength test of their wall construction. Not very scientific but makes the point very effectively.

Possible set-up for the printer. The real test will come when they construct a fully functioning house. The size does not matter as long as the technology is proven. That said I really think that this is the way of the future they will find a way to make it work.